MA120 Basic Concepts of Statistics

for S2T 2011

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Links in the course are provided for downloading required FREE software for the multimedia presentations of the course.

PLEASE NOTE: It is expected that you will have access to a scientific calculator. You will not be allowed to use a programmable, graphing, or statistical calculator on your final exam, nor will you be able to use a computer, so you will need to take a hand-held scientific calculator with you for the final exam. I suggest you use the same calculator throughout the course. Then you will be familiar with it and will avoid having to learn how to use a new calculator at final exam time.

I do not have a brand requirement, but the cost of most brands run about $10 - $15 and can be found in office supply stores or department stores.

I wanted to make sure that you knew that our textbook had an incredible book that goes along with it that you can purchase if you like, it's not required. It's called the Student Solutions manual, and here's why this is so great. As you know, the answers to the odd problems are in the back of the textbook. The Student Solutions Manual goes one step farther--it actually shows you how work out, step by step, each of the odd problems in the textbook. Remember, all of your quizzes are built from the odd-numbered textbook problems!!!

You can't buy the solutions manual through Park's bookstore, but you can get it directly from the sites such as Amazon.com. I just checked and it's available for $10 used from amazon.com. The ISBN of the Student Solutions Manual for our text is 0321570626. I know that's one more expense, and that's why it's not required. But for those of you who struggle with math, and think that seeing how to work out all of the odd problems might help, I wanted you to know that it was available. Many of my previous students have encouraged me to urge you to purchase this book—they’ve felt that it was simply invaluable to their studies.

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Course Description:MA120 Basic Concepts of Statistics (GE): A development of certain basic concepts in probability and statistics that is pertinent to most disciplines. Topics include: probability models, parameters, statistics and sampling procedures, hypothesis testing, correlation and regression. 3:0:3

Learning Outcomes:Core Learning Outcomes

Compute descriptive statistics for raw data as well as grouped data.

Determine appropriate features of a frequency distribution.

Apply Chebyshev's Theorem.

Distinguish between and provide relevant descriptions of a sample and a population.

Apply the rules of combinatorics.

Differentiate between classical and frequency approaches to probability.

One problem with multiple parts for each numbered item, except for item #3, which contains four separate problems.

1.Compute the mean, median, mode, and standard deviation for a sample of 8 to 12 data.

2.Compute the mean and standard deviation of a grouped frequency distribution with 4 classes.

3.Compute the probability of four problems from among these kinds or combinations there of:

a.the probability of an event based upon a two-dimensional table;

b.the probability of an event that involves using the addition rule;

c.the probability of an event that involves conditional probability;

d.the probability of an event that involves the use of independence of events;

e.the probability of an event based upon permutations and/or combinations;

f.the probability of an event using the multiplication rule; or

g.the probability of an event found by finding the probability of the complementary event.

4.Compute probabilities associated with a binomial random variable associated with a practical situation.

5. Compute probabilities associated with either a standard normal probability distribution or with a non-standard normal probability distribution.
6.Compute and interpret a confidence interval for a mean and/ or for a proportion.

It is unfair to other students to allow some individuals to submit assignments after the scheduled due date. Therefore, all assignments are expected to be completed by set deadlines. An exception to the rule is a 24 hour extension provided only for thread postings; but using it will mean you will be assessed with a 50% penalty on earned points for the assignment. The only other considerations for allowable late assignments are limited to the following valid list of emergency reasons. Please note even these reasons are only acceptable at the discretion of your instructor.

A medical emergency or a serious acute illness. All medical emergencies and illnesses must be verified by a note on letterhead by an M.D., D.O., P.A., or R.N. I will not normally accept a note from other health professionals (e.g., Ph.D., MSW, D.C., Physical Therapist) because their professional functions rarely involve medical emergencies or acute illnesses. I will accept late work for students who can provide evidence of a verified medical emergency (but not acute illness) involving a child, spouse, parent, sibling, or grandparent.

An Accident or Police Emergency. I will require an accident report or note on letterhead from an appropriate law enforcement officer to accept late work due to accidents or police emergencies (e.g., assault on student, student taken hostage, detained witness of a crime).

Unforeseen Jury or Witness Duty. I will require a note on letterhead from a judge or attorney stating you had no advance notice of duty to accept late work due to jury or witness duty.

Unforeseen Military Deployment or Activation. I will require a note on official letterhead from your commanding officer stating you had no advance notice of deployment or activation.

Funerals for Immediate Family Member (e.g., parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts/uncles, first cousins). I will require a copy of the obituary or a note from a minister or funeral director.

Classroom Rules of Conduct:

Proctored Final ExamThe Final Exam will test you on all the material covered in the first seven weeks of the course. It will be a OPEN BOOK and OPEN NOTES exam, and you will be allowed to use a non-graphing, non-programmable calculator. It must be taken in person (requiring a photo identification) no later than Thursday of the 8th week of instruction at one of the Park University campuses around the country. If one is not available in your area, the instructor will approve a non-Park proctor if the Guidelines for selecting an acceptable proctor, found at the Park University web site, are followed.

It will be your responsibility to ensure that your approved and accepted proctor form reaches the instructor by the end of the sixth week. Fifteen BONUS points will be earned by all who have an APPROVED AND ACCEPTED proctor form on file before the end of the 3rd week of the term. Please see the “Final Exam and Proctor Information” portion of the Course Home Page for details and guidelines regarding the Proctor Extra Credit.

Fifteen PENATLY points will be assessed on the Final Exam if your proctor form is not submitted in the Park proctor system before the end of the 6th week of the term.

Submission of WorkA class week is defined as the period of time between Monday 12:01 am CT and Sunday at 11:59 PM CENTRAL Time. The first week begins the first day of the term/semester. Assignments scheduled for completion during a class week should be completed and successfully submitted by the posted due date. Ground Rules for Online Communication & Participation General email
Students should use email for private messages to the instructor and other students. When sending email other than assignments, you must identify yourself fully by name and class in all email sent to your instructor and/or other members of our class. Online threaded discussions are public messages and all writings in this area will be viewable by the entire class or assigned group members. Online Instructor Response Policy: Online Instructors will check email frequently and will respond to course-related questions within 24-48 hours. Observation of "Netiquette": All your Online communications need to be composed with fairness, honesty and tact. Spelling and grammar are very important in an Online course. What you put into an Online course reflects on your level of professionalism. Here are a couple of Online references that discuss writing Online http://goto.intwg.com/ and netiquette http://www.albion.com/netiquette/corerules.html.
Please check the Announcements area before you ask general course "housekeeping" questions (i.e. how do I submit assignment 3?). If you don't see your question there, then please contact your instructor.

Technical Problems
If you experience computer difficulties (need help downloading a browser or plug-in, you need help logging into the course, or if you experience any errors or problems while in your Online course), click on the Help button in your Online Classroom, then click on the helpdesk menu item, and then fill out the form or call the helpdesk for assistance. If the issue is preventing you from submitting or completing any coursework, contact your instructor immediately.

If you experience internet connectivity issues, CALL THE INSTRUCTOR AT ONCE. Do NOT wait until your internet connection is restored. For that reason, PRINT a copy of the syllabus out to ensure that you have all of the instructor's contact information should something happen to your computer and/or your internet connection.

Finally…In this class, we will live by the Golden Rule. I will treat you in the same manner I would like to be treated. Professionalism, maturity, and academic perseverance will be rewarded handsomely. Finally, the only “dumb” question is the one that goes unanswered. You are here to learn - if a subject remains uncertain in your mind, ask for help!

Course Topic/Dates/Assignments:

This course provides an introduction to the world of statistical analysis. Each week we'll focus on different aspects of the general topic.

In Unit 1 we'll learn what the topic of statistics entails. We'll discuss some ways to collect the needed data for a statistical study. By the end the unit we'll have a view of how the two distinct divisions of statistics, descriptive and inferential, are related.

In Unit 2 we'll discover how to convert pure data into corrupted data, also referred to as ungrouped data into grouped data. Then we will examine some of the many ways data can be visually displayed graphically.

In Unit 3 we will examine ways to describe data by looking at its central tendency, its variation from its center, and how to determine the location of an element within a data set. A method of finding the proportions of variation a data set possesses will also be covered.

In Unit 4 we'll explore the basic concepts of probabilities, the branch of mathematics that allows us to take a sample and make predictions about the population from which it was derived. We'll strive to gain a fundamental understanding of probability through its addition, multiplication and counting rules.

In Unit 5 we combine the probability concepts and the statistical concepts we previously learned to construct discrete probability distributions. Then we'll learn how to find statistics of the distribution. The unit ends with a discussion on a specific discrete probability distribution called the binomial distribution.

In Unit 6 the discussion changes from discrete distributions to continuous random variable distributions. We begin looking at the Normal distribution and then quickly moving on the the Standard Normal distribution. We conclude the unit by learning how the Central Limit Theorem can be applied to sample data sets.

In Unit 7 we move into inferential statistics. We learn how to use a sample mean to estimate the population mean, and how we can confidently report its value within a specific interval.

In Unit 8 we will examine the basics of hypothesis testing by using one-sample procedures for the hypothesis test of the population mean. In addition we will conclude our examination of topics in statistics by discussing the purpose of regression and correlation analysis. First, we'll examine some introductory terms, then focus on simple linear regression analysis and simple linear correlation analysis. During this final week of the course you will also complete the proctored Final Exam and the Course Evaluation.

Academic Honesty:Academic integrity is the foundation of the academic community. Because each student has the primary responsibility for being academically honest, students are advised to read and understand all sections of this policy relating to standards of conduct and academic life. Park University students and faculty members are encouraged to take advantage of the University resources available for learning about academic honesty (www.park.edu/current or http://www.park.edu/faculty/).from Park University 2010-2011 Undergraduate Catalog Page 92***********************************************************
Instructors, You should either delete this message and leave blank, or enter additional comments or policies. I have entered mine as an example that you may copy part or all if you wish.

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Academic dishonesty includes committing or the attempt to commit cheating, plagiarism, falsifying academic records, and other acts intentionally designed to provide unfair advantage to the students.

Cheating includes, but is not limited to, intentionally giving or receiving unauthorized aid or notes on examinations, papers, laboratory reports, exercises, projects, or class assignments which are intended to be individually completed. Cheating also includes the unauthorized copying of tests or any other deceit or fraud related to the student's academic conduct.

Falsifying academic records includes, but is not limited to, altering grades or other academic records.

Other acts that constitute academic dishonesty include:

Stealing, manipulating, or interfering with an academic work of another student or faculty member.

Collusion with other students on work to be completed by one student.

Lying to or deceiving a faculty member.

Plagiarism:Plagiarism involves the use of quotations without quotation marks, the use of quotations without indication of the source, the use of another's idea without acknowledging the source, the submission of a paper, laboratory report, project, or class assignment (any portion of such) prepared by another person, or incorrect paraphrasing. from Park University 2010-2011 Undergraduate Catalog Page 92-93***********************************************************
Instructors, You should either delete this message and leave blank, or enter additional comments or policies. I have entered mine as an example that you may copy part or all if you wish.

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ALL GRADED WORK FOR THIS COURSE MUST BE YOUR OWN. YOU ARE NOT TO RECEIVE OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE FROM ANYONE OTHER THAN YOUR INSTRUCTOR. To further clarify; classmates, spouses, co-workers, tutors, clergy, librarians, friends, relatives, and pets are included as OUTSIDE ASSISTANCE. PLEASE DO NOT VIOLATE THIS RULE.

When discussion questions request you to answer in your own words, do not copy words from the textbook as your own. State YOUR understanding of the concept, not the understanding of some other person. If you are allowed to quote the textbook, or other sources, you must use proper quotation markings and declare the source including web URL address or book page number from which you copied the text. Not following these rules constitutes plagiarism, and will not be tolerated. (This means you will not earn points for the assignment, and if the plagiarism does not stop immediately you will FAIL the course. Additionally, a report of the incidence will be sent to your permanent academic file.)

The instructor may excuse absences for valid reasons, but missed work must be made up within the semester/term of enrollment.

Work missed through unexcused absences must also be made up within the semester/term of enrollment, but unexcused absences may carry further penalties.

In the event of two consecutive weeks of unexcused absences in a semester/term of enrollment, the student will be administratively withdrawn, resulting in a grade of "F".

A "Contract for Incomplete" will not be issued to a student who has unexcused or excessive absences recorded for a course.

Students receiving Military Tuition Assistance or Veterans Administration educational benefits must not exceed three unexcused absences in the semester/term of enrollment. Excessive absences will be reported to the appropriate agency and may result in a monetary penalty to the student.

Report of a "F" grade (attendance or academic) resulting from excessive absence for those students who are receiving financial assistance from agencies not mentioned in item 5 above will be reported to the appropriate agency.

ONLINE NOTE: An attendance report of "P" (present) will be recorded for students who have logged in to the Online classroom at least once during each week of the term. Recording of attendance is not equivalent to participation. Participation grades will be assigned by each instructor according to the criteria in the Grading Policy section of the syllabus.

Disability Guidelines:Park University is committed to meeting the needs of all students that meet the criteria for special assistance. These guidelines are designed to supply directions to students concerning the information necessary to accomplish this goal. It is Park University's policy to comply fully with federal and state law, including Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, regarding students with disabilities. In the case of any inconsistency between these guidelines and federal and/or state law, the provisions of the law will apply. Additional information concerning Park University's policies and procedures related to disability can be found on the Park University web page: http://www.park.edu/disability .

Additional Information:

INCOMPLETE POLICY

Incompletes are NOT a right, but a rare exception that are granted only in the most extraordinary of situations.

If you feel that you will require an incomplete (again, the exception, not the rule), it is your responsibility to contact your instructor BEFORE THE END OF THE COURSE and make this request. In most cases, written third party documentation will be required to support your request. It is at the discretion of the instructor whether an incomplete will be granted and for what length of time it will be granted, with an absolute maximum extension period of 90 days. Furthermore, incomplete grades will be assigned following all the requirements indicated by the Park University Incomplete Policy.